San Francisco -- Sentient Technologies, a San Francisco-based developer of artificial intelligence technology for businesses, said on Monday it has raised $103.5 million in its third round of funding, led by Access Industries. Tata Communications, previous backer Horizons Ventures and a group of private investors also took part in the round, which increased the company's total funding to $143 million. Sentient said it will use the funds to further expand its distributed artificial intelligence products and services. "The new investment will allow us to continue to grow our team, further scale our partner infrastructure and accelerate the commercialization of our distributed artificial intelligence technologies," said CEO Antoine Blondeau. Sentient so far has been quietly demonstrating the capabilities of its system through research and testing in the fields of financial trading and medical research. http://www.sentient.ai http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20141124005031/en/Sentient-Technologies-Raises-103.5-Million-Series-Funding#.VHOZRtLF_ng _____________________________________________

o WSJ: Proposed FAA Rules Would Restrict Commercial Use of Drones

Washington, DC -- New federal rules being proposed for the use of commercial drones would be more restrictive than first thought, The Wall Street Journal reported. According to people familiar with the situation, regulations being hammered out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would, among other things, require operators to gain licenses, and only operate the unmanned aircraft during daylight hours, below 400 feet and within sight of the person at the controls. Companies in industries such as farming, construction and film-making have sought to use drones for commercial purposes, while online retailer Amazon hopes to utilize them to make some same-day deliveries. The FAA's proposed rules are expected to be released by year's end, the Journal said. http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/drone-flights-face-faa-hit-1416793905-lMyQjAxMTA0OTIwMzkyODMwWj _____________________________________________

o S.F.-Based Digital Realty Trust Names as William Stein as CEO

San Francisco -- Digital Realty Trust, a San Francisco-based owner and operator of data centers, on Monday named William Stein as its new CEO. Stein, the company's CFO for the past 10 years, has served as interim CEO since March. He will continue to serve as CFO while the company searches for a permanent successor. "Bill meets all the criteria we looked for in a new CEO," said Dennis Singleton, the company's chairman. "As interim CEO, Bill has created impressive momentum in the business and made great strides in strengthening Digital Realty's operating and financial performance." Stein, who also previously served as the company's chief investment officer, was selected following a search process that included both internal and external candidates. http://www.digitalrealty.com/ http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digital-realty-appoints-a-william-stein-chief-executive-officer-300000173.html _____________________________________________

o Oakland-Based Ask.com Reveals Top Search Terms of 2014

Oakland -- Ask.com, the Oakland-based question and answer site, on Monday revealed the top trending search terms for 2014 associated with celebrities, news and politics. The analysis is based on search data and question volume from more than 100 million monthly U.S. users. Top news search terms on the site included "Ebola," "ISIS," "Malaysia Airlines" and "Ice Bucket Challenge." Some of the biggest celebrity searches were those tied to the deaths of entertainers Robin Williams and Joan Rivers, as well as leaked nude photos of actresses and the elevator security camera footage of Ray Rice. Meanwhile, continued unrest in the Middle East topped searches when it came to politics, with site visitors seeking to better understand "what is happening between Israel and Hamas?" A complete look at the top searches is available at the link below. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/askcom-reveals-the-top-searches-of-2014-makes-predictions-for-the-year-ahead-300000090.html _____________________________________________ o Briefly Noted:

(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Sunnyvale-based RedSeal, a provider of network visibility and analytics designed to prevent cyber attacks, on Monday named Leslie Canning as its executive vice president of worldwide sales and Roberta Gray as its vice president of marketing. Canning previously spent 12 years at Cisco, while Gray spent six years at Sun Microsystems.https://redseal.co/press

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Reporting to the Assistant County Manager, the CIO will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Technology Services Department and provide guidance and support to the Information Technology Advisory Committee. As the Department Director, the CIO will oversee a staff of 75 employees in deploying, utilizing, and leveraging information technology to enhance productivity, broaden the capabilities, and reduce the operating costs of Washoe County government. A Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of progressively responsible management experience managing IT services is required. Salary range is $109,886 to $142,834 DOQ plus excellent executive benefits. Detailed brochure available at www.ralphandersen.com Confidential inquiries to (916) 630-4900. Send cover letter, resume, and current compensation to apply@ralphandersen.com prior to December 5, 2014.____________________________________________ > IT Services Department Manager, Turlock Irrigation District

Nestled between the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada and the greater Bay Area, the Chief Financial Officer for the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) is conducting a national search to find an experienced Information Technology Services Department Manager. Ideal candidates will be highly skilled technology professionals. The successful candidate must have a proven and verifiable track record with providing technology solutions for leveraging existing systems and transitioning TID to a more integrated, contemporary, state-of-the-art technology organization with significantly improved technology applications to support all aspects of the public utilities administrative (finance, personnel, customer billing, and customer service) and operational needs. A Bachelor’s degree and at least ten (10) years of progressive experience with at least three (3) years of management experience required. Salary to $151,434. Interested candidate should email their resume and compelling cover letter to apply@ralphandersen.com This position is open until filled; First review of resumes will begin 12/5/14. Detailed brochure available at www.ralphandersen.com Confidential inquires to Robert Burg at 916/630-4900.____________________________________________> Senior Manager, External Reporting - Mode Media, Brisbane CA

Mode Media is a leading vertical social media company with the largest online global reach in lifestyle and among the top 10 of the Wall Street Journal’s annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. venture-backed companies. The Sr. Manager, External Reporting has primary responsibility for all external reporting and compliance. This includes SEC reporting as well as all other regulatory agencies. This position will also act as coordination of any requirements globally. This person will work with the Corporate Accounting Group to provide assistance with the Company’s audit requirements and management of the public accounting firm (E&Y) during the quarterly and annual review/audit process. The manager helps build and maintain a “World Class” accounting and operations service and support organization. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required. 10 years’ experience, with at least 5 years of experience at public accounting firm, Big 4 preferred and 2 yrs experience as SEC reporting manager. Strong project management, leadership, relationship development and people management skills. Results orientation with an ability to manage the overall project, collaborate with different individuals across the organization and at target companies. To Apply: https://hire.jobvite.com/j?aj=o8CsZfwV&s=Bay_Area_Tech_Wire____________________________________________

Current Analysis is seeking to recruit a Senior Analyst to join the Consumer Services US team contributing to Current Analysis' existing capabilities and coverage in the US mobile, fixed and converged providers of consumer’s services. The ideal candidate will have exceptional knowledge of the key US wireless players, service portfolios and strategies, with strong knowledge in the following areas: Mobile data, WiFi calling, carrier-OTT partnerships, the MVNO competitive landscape and emerging innovation in the areas of carrier-branded VAS. Qualified candidates should have relevant market knowledge as well as a proven ability to analyze companies their services portfolios and corporate marketing positions. 5+ years professional experience as an analyst, technical writer, journalist, marketing or product management in IT, telecoms or related fields. Experience in tracking and analyzing Consumer Services in the US. Proven written, verbal and interpersonal skills in English required. Proven public event and/or sales presentation experience. Effective prioritization and time management skills. Able to work independently from home office and travel moderately within the US. Bachelor’s Degree required. Current Analysis offers competitive compensation packages and benefits including medical, dental, vision and 401(k). We are an Equal Employment Opportunity organization. To learn more about Current Analysis, please visit us at www.currentanalysis.com Send resumes to ieppolito@currentanalysis.com____________________________________________ > Human Services Agency IT Director - City and County of San Francisco

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